RSU are taxed when delivered, the vesting date also called exercise date. The value of the RSU at the time of vesting is considered taxable employment income and subject to any state and federal income and employment taxes. The income and withholdings should be included in the W-2 for the year of vesting.

Equity 101

Method of acquisition

The designation of long-term gains or short-term gains impact the way in which capital gains are taxed short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income tax at same rate as the income such as wages and interest long-term gains are taxed at their own preferential capital gains tax rate

Watch sale occur when taxpayer dispose of stock at a loss and subsequently acquires substantially the identical stock within a 30-day window.

Gifts and inheritance

Totally worthless stock

Offered to employees as part of compensation, RSU- type of compensation in which each RSU- represent the right of the employee to take ownership of stock on a preset future date.

Grants employees right to purchase stock at predetermined price, which can be below market value.

Companies often reward workers with ownership in the form of stock.